MCEC 2012

In project-based learning, students work over an extended period of time answering a driving question. The question is so deep that it requires students to create a project to share their findings with others.

Process for learning through projects:

Question

Investigate

Share

Project-based learning can help students in the areas of motivation and social skills. It is also an effective way to differentiate content, process, or products for students.

QR codes can save students time and fustration when going to web addresses. Scan QR codes with the i-nigma app. Create your own online using qrcode.kaywa.com. Learn lots more about QR codes from Tony's video.

Make any image into an online jigsaw puzzle at Jigsaw Planet. Try this jigsaw of the definition of project-based learning. iPad users can use the Up in Pieces app to make jigsaws from any saved images.

Projects take an extended period of time to complete.

Activities can be completed in a a matter of a few class periods.

Angela Maiers’ mantra: “You are a genius and the world needs your contribution.”

Do you want to cover material for students or do you want them to uncover it for themselves?

Collaboration is the act of working together for a common goal. "Studies have shown that groups outperform individuals on learning tasks, and further that individuals who work in groups do better on later individual assignments as well." -Powerful Learning by Linda Darling-Hammond

Questioning

"What is it that I am trying to get other to do, and what reasons might they have for doing those things?" - Phillip Schletchy in Working on the Work

Branching Questions - A driving question should lead to more questions. For example, in Use facts and statistics to convince others to stop your pet peeve, Tony's driving question lead to these questions to drive his investigation about shopping carts:

How much do door dings raise car insurance premiums?

Is there a time or day when more carts are left in the lot?

What is the affect of the distance of the cart return from the vehicle?

Why don't people return their carts?

How many parking spots are taken up by left carts.

Why does Phoenix seem to have a larger problem with returning carts than Omaha?

What if the cart return was a strip down the middle of each row?

An anchor or opening activity gets students excited, interested, and curious about the topic of the driving question.

Sharing

Remember, how you implement project-based learning in your classroom depends on who and what you teach and what tools you have available.

Record audio using iPod touch’s built-in Voice Memos app or download an app like i Tell a Story. Audio recordings can be used for interviews, skits, and reports. Even better is GarageBand. Listed to Radio WillowWeb for examples.

Speaking Tips

Enunciate clearly

Speak at a normal volume

Talk as if you are speaking to a friend

Prepare & practice

Record in short portions

Reduce background noise

Smile!

The Photos app is where images are saved to and imported from.

Comic Touch Lite is a free iPod touch app for adding speech bubbles and call outs to an image.